Alex Jones, Red Planet’s head of production and business, added: “We have really taken our time in deciding who to partner with on this important stage in the company’s development. BBC Worldwide offered the best opportunities for the company in meeting Red Planet’s very clear ambitions and needs.”

Said Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide’s chief content officer: “Red Planet Pictures and BBC Worldwide have a successful history of working together, and this deal will strengthen our relationship further. Tony is one of Britain’s most esteemed TV writers, and we’re looking forward to working with him and the team at Red Planet Pictures to further develop world-class drama.”